Yes, like in the circus. And yes, there's always a net. And yes, it scares the crap out of you initially and then again every time you start learning some new trick, but that's the sickness of it! It keeps you in the moment, totally focused and zoned in. You associate with people you might not meet in "real life" and thus form new an interesting friendships. You become obsessed with where the rigs are in the rest of the world, and sometimes end up traveling to foreign countries to fly or visit other flyers. It keeps you fit mentally and physically and you get to wear all kinds of costumes - even when it's not Halloween. And every time you learn a new trick or skill you have something else to celebrate. It's not often you can overcome a fear of something and have fun doing it but if you're afraid of heights, this is the way to get over it.